Experience Jewish Cuba with Federation

By Stephanie SmartschanJFLV Director of Community Development & Operations

The Jewish Federation of the Lehigh Valley will offer a unique mission to Cuba from April 1-5, 2020. An information session will take place at the JCC on Monday, Dec. 9, at 7 p.m.

This special tour will provide an opportunity to learn about the small Jewish community that remains in Cuba, how they maintain their Jewishness and allow us to reach out and share with them.

Cuba played host to many Jews escaping Europe during World War II when quotas prevented them from entering the U.S., other parts of Europe and even British Mandate Palestine.

While there were 15,000 Jews in Cuba at its peak in 1959, today, Cuba has only 1,200 Jews. Free and faced with the same economic constraints of many Cubans, support from American and Canadian Jewish brethren is crucial.
The spring trip will provide a wonderful opportunity for our community to bring kosher for Passover foods in advance of Pesach.

“We are excited to expand our offerings and take members of our community to see parts of the Jewish world they may not otherwise experience,” said Jeri Zimmerman, executive director of the Jewish Federation. “We hope that many members of our community will join us for this unique trip.”

Interested in learning more? Join Federation for the information session on Dec. 9 or contact 610-821-5500 or mailbox@jflv.org.